Pio smacked herself in the head when she saw Jatyn sit down at the table with the Elf and man. 'Those shire dances are dangerous. Drive all the thoughts right from your head.'
She called Elanor to her and told her where to find fresh linen for the bed. Sending the Hobbit up the stairs to prepare the room, she approached the table where Jatyn sat. 'Your pardon, if you will. I have just sent someone to make up your room - number seven, up the stairs and down the hall on your left.'
She looked closely at Jatyn. 'I do like to see payment in advance if you please. It will be five coppers a night, or a silver penny, if you wish breakfast included."
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Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
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